John Couey was an American man known for his criminal activities, particularly the abduction and murder of a young girl named Jessica Lunsford in 2005. Couey, a registered sex offender, was arrested after a lengthy investigation that drew national attention. He was charged with several crimes, including kidnapping and first-degree murder. In 2007, Couey was convicted and sentenced to death for his actions. His case highlighted issues related to sex offender registries and public safety, sparking discussions about the effectiveness of laws designed to protect children. Couey's life ended in prison when he died in 2019.